Borzicactus aureiflorus (Matucana aureiflora) Photo by: Valentino Vallicelliis a great plant, with unusually golden flowers that stay open day and night. This cactus is still often encountered under the name of Borzicactus aureiflorus.

Origin and Habitat: Peru (Camajarca near the city of Cajamarca). This species occurs in an extremely restricted range of 20 km2, which represents a single location.Altitude range: 2,800 to 2,900 metres above sea level.Habitat and Ecology:Matucana aureiflora occurs in inter-Andean valleysis where it is not common. The population trend is decreasing due to urban sprawl (expansion of the city of Cajamarca) and, to a lesser degree, by agricultural activities. Furthermore, it does not occur in any protected area and is Critically Endangered.

Description: Flattened to globular cactus.Stem: 10 cm tall, 12 cm or more in diameter.Roots: Tap root.Spines: Curved inward, pectinated glassy yellowish to amber coloured with brown bases.Leaves: The stem apex of the Matucana aureiflora is unusual among globular cacti in having a visible scale leaf, subtending each areole when youngFlowers: Yellow to golden , 5 cm long, 3-4cm in diameter in several flushes, in spring and summer. They stay open day and night.

Subspecies, varieties, forms and cultivars of plants belonging to the Matucana aureiflora group

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Cultivation and Propagation: They grow slowly in their natural habitats, but in greenhouses they grow quickly. Growing substratum: Grow in rich, porous soil and let the soil dry out between waterings.Potting: It needs good drainage and a deep pot to accommodate its tap rootRepot in the spring when the roots become cramped. Generally, these plants should be re-potted every other year, in order to provide fresh soil. However, this doesn't necessarily mean they'll need larger containers. After repotting, do not water for a week or more.Hardiness: Not very hard to grow if not protected from freezing temperatures, they need care in cultivation to reach a good size without developing unsightly marks. They need a minimum temperature of 10° C, but may to survive a light frost. Exposure: Some direct sun is beneficial in order to get a good spine coloration, but not severe sunlight.Propagation: Seeds